'Sanctuary' Must Stop Meaning Less Safety for Americans

Flowers and a portrait of Kate Steinle remain at a memorial site on Pier 14 Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, in San Francisco, California. City leaders remained attached to San Francisco's sanctuary city status despite a not guilty verdict in a killing sparking feverish immigration debates. (Ben Margot/AP)

"Sanctuary" is a term that, like so many others, has been corrupted in our political discourse. Far from describing a condition that is safe, today it depicts a state of lawlessness that is endangering our people.

Unfortunately, that reality did not inform the trial of the illegal alien who murdered Kate Steinle in San Francisco. The perpetrator, who found safe-haven there, beat the rap. This outcome is sure to reinforce the perception of such cities’ magnet-like attraction for still more people who have broken the law to be in this country – and may do much worse throughout it.

Kate Steinle’s killer may yet face federal charges and be deported for a sixth time. But unless and until communities in this country that are also violating U.S. immigration laws are held accountable and punished, we will all be less safe.

Frank Gaffney, Jr. is president of the Center for Security Policy (CSP), a columnist for The Washington Times, and host of the nationally syndicated program, Secure Freedom Radio. Read more reports from Frank Gaffney, Jr. — Click Here Now.